LOCAL AND GENERAL

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 53, 26 November 1920, Page 6

LOCAL AND GENERAL

The Postal authorities advise that tho e.s. Canadian Exporter sailed from Sydney at 5 p.m. on November 23 for Auckland. Sho carries a small mail for New Zealand, including several bags from tho East.

The conference of representatives of freezing companies was continued in Wellington yesterday. The dispute with the freezing works employees is among the matters that have been receiving consideration. A further conference with the employees may be arranged.

"No woman is bound to live with a man vho makes a mere tank of himself," said Mr. S. E. M'Cnrthy S.M., at tho Christchurch Magistrate's Court recently, iu granting an application by a woman for a separation order. "U's not good for a woman," aded the Magistrate, "and it's not good for the race that a woman should bring into the world children, whoso father is a drunkard."

As a result of representations made by the Wellington E.S.A., the ,i>eriod for making usn of the twenty-eight days' privilege leave ticket for returned soldiers has been extended to February 28. 1921. This date is absolutely final nnd_ the. association feels that it is a matter for congratulation thatno restrictions will be imposed during the Christmas and New Year holidays. Of courso, men who are still in hospital nt the end of February will not bo affected as they vill 1)0 granted their privilege ticket on discharge.

Tuesday next, St. Andrew's Day. will be a Government holiday.

The request of the Wellington Provincial Lawn Te»nis Association that a number of tennis courts nt Day's Bny be reserved on Saturday afternoons lor the purpose of playing club matches nt the ordinary rate, was declined nt. Jast. night's meeting of the City Council, on the recommendation of the Reserves Committee.

The Chambers of Commerce Conference yesterday .affirmed the principle that the Government should take control >'of all arterial roads in New Zealand.

The following Nelson remit to the Chambers of Commerce Conference was referred to the executiyo for consideration:—"That plant required for .hydroelectrio schemes by local power boards or local authorities should bo admitted free of duty as in 'the case of plant erected by the Government. Tho chairman of the conference (Mr. W. Gow) expressed the opinion that very probably tho executive would endorse tho proposal contained in the remit. '

The Wellington College Old Girls' Association has donated .£2O to the funds of tho Hospital Board for the maintenance of their cot at the Children's Hospital. A Christmas tree ami toys have been donated by Mr. H. J. Clench.

The Public Health Department has authorised the Hospital Board to install an atmospheric stenm system of heating tor the Nurses' Home from the general boiler house at the Hospital, at an estimated cost of JIIUOO for material and £1000 lor labour.

Tho following remit from Te Awamutu was rejected by the Chambers of Commerce Conference:—"That the Government be urged to introduce legislation for the adoption of the universal -Saturday half-holiday, and that all associated chambers of commerce be asked to make direct representations to tho Minister."

The City Council has decided to inform the Soseneath nnd Oriental Bay Municipal Hatcpayers' Association, in reply to their request for the extension of Alexandra Road to Koseneath, that the proposed work will be carried ouii as opportunity permits.. The Mayor explained that the council was just as anxious as anybody to prosecuJe the work, but at present it had notl the necessary funds available.

The Wairoa, County Council on Wednesday turned down the Gisborne Borough scheme for raising loans by means of premium bonds. The counpit considered it an improper way to raise loans for public works. No councillor epoke a word in favour of the scheme, which was dubbed "the local body Tatts" (reports the Press Association} It is reported that there is a strong-agi-tation again in Gisborne for a, direct east road line close to Waikaremoana and across Wairekei, thus cutting out Wairoa, which might get a branch line in the next 100 yearsi (states a Wairoa Press Association message). The County Council has passed a motion opposing any deviation of the lino ns laid down by the Public Works Department which does not pass through Wairoa.

A drover who received fairly constant employment earns big wages. For six djiys' work a drover who was given charge of eight bulls in tho Hawke's Bay district, received .£26 ss. in fees, on average of M 7s. Cd. per day.

The driver of a motor-lorry near Gisborne ran out of benzine when a few miles away from the town. Being unablo to procure petrol, an exchange states that ho filled the tank with whisky and continued his journoy.

A motor wagon in possession of the Hospital Board is to be converted into an emergency ambulance van.

An appeal from the High Court of Western Samoa tD the Supreme Court of New Zealand, under the Samoa Constitution Order, 1920, has been received from Samoa by the Registrar of the Supremo Court at Wellington. Under the regulation, an appeal can bo mode from tho judgment of the Samoan Court either in its civil' or criminal jurisdiction. Tim easo on appeal was one.in which F. Harmnn sued It. Marggraff for ,£2OO for breach of contract, judgment with costs being given for the defendnnt by His Honour Mv. Justice. Watson, C.J. The defendant was an enemy person.

During October theTe was a falling off in tho amount of outdoor relief dispensed by the Charitable Aid Committee of th« Wellington Hospital Board. The figuros are as follow, those for October. 1919, being given in parentheses-.—Total number of cases, 93 (115);, daily average number of persons receiving relief, 380 (378): rations granted. 796 (951): cash grant*. JJI7I (.£311): children's maintenance. ,£W. 1X66). The daily average number of persons receiving indoor relief was 106. compared with 98 in October last year.

Tho Minister of Education (Hon. C. J. Parr) conferred yesterday with infant mistresses regarding tho nlans for the new Tc Aro School. The "Edncntion Department's architect and the Wellington Education Board's architect were present, ns 'well as other re^ireseiitntivw'of the ' Department and the board. The tpachers made suggestions, which the Minister promised to take into consideration before giving a definite reply.

The annual meeting of members of the New Zealand Association of British Manufacturers and Agents (Wellington branch) is to he held in tho Chamber of Commerce this afternoon.

A meeting of Napier railway employees last evening earrirtl a resolution strongly protesting against Hie instruction issued yesterday by the General manager that free passes and privilege tickets cannot be used in any district on . Deeeniber 24, 27, and 31, or January 1. or on relief and through express trains between 'Wellinglmi and Auckland and Auckland and Wellington from December IS to January IS inclusive, which, it is alleged, is « violation of clause 23 of the latent agreement with the executive of the A.S.fl.S—Press Assn.

Tniunes to the foot, received as the result of a case falling from a sling, necessitated the removal to Hospital yesterday of James Robertfon, a seaman on thr s.s. Calm. The injuries: are not serious.

The New Zealand Federated Master Builder.-' Association decided to hold its next conference at Tnvcreargill. Mr. IT. Mainland (Wellington) was re-elected nresiden't, and Mr. A. Grayson (Auckland) vice-president.—Press Assn.

At a meeting of the "Island Bay Ratenaver?' Association last night, the following T>'?oliition was carried unanimously.—"That this meeting views with rn»ret 'the vacillating policy of the City "ouncil. in relation to tho long-promised improvements decided -upon at Island Bnv, naniety •.—(I) Duplication t of tramline; (2) the etorm-water drainage; (3) beach improvements; (4) Duppa Street Rest Park; and that the association urges that the promised improvements be proceeded with as an immediate wort."

Sending daintily-perfumed letters addressed in a. feminine handwriting is considered to bo the very latest thing in the way of reaching managing directors or proprietors of largo business houses. But apparently it is a very old method judging by n statement made by a man who has been 31 years in the railway service, in his evidence before the New South Wales Railway Administration Commission. Many years ago it was decided to recommend that ho should be sent out of the service with a gratuity. He did not relish the idea of a lifo without activity, and the roar of trains and trains. The" Chief Commissioner was away on leave, and, like all great men, left no address. However, the railway servant decided to write to him, and to solicit his aid iu keeping hie position. The letter was posted. No answer came. A second letter was posted, and again no answer. Hnving sent a third, he found that the letters were not being sent on to the commissioner. Then he had a brilliant idea. He got a dnintily-prrfumerl enveloped, addressed in a lady's hand, inserted Hie letter of appeal, and, journeying out into the country, registered it and posted it. The letter reached the Hallway Commissioner nlr.io.-t im rapidly as a wireless telegram. The officials did not daro to open it. The man kept. Ins job.

The executive of the Wellington U.S.A. has devised a scheme which they consider will go a long way to solving the housing problem, at least ns far as the returned soldiers of Wellington and suburbs are concerned. This scheme is to be supmilted at a meeting called for Monday next, in the club rooms, at 7.30 p.m. A good deal of serious thought and consideration has been given to tho matter, and the executive feel that it isnow justified in submitting the scheme to the members. A good deal of detail work has yet to be gone into, and it is hoped that all returned men who are endeavouring to obtain ;i I'nme of their own will attend the meeting, and give thei- opinions on the subwt. Financial members only will be admitted to the meeting.

The nvcrnire number of patients undi-.r treatment at the Hospital last month was 383. Yesterday there were 382 in the Hosnital. including G influenza oases. 10 vonoreal. 8 scalet fever, and G diphtheria cases.

The members tf the New Zealand rifto shooting team, which recently competed ir. Australia, returned to Wellington by the Monna. on Wednesday. Among those in, Ihe team were the New Zealanders who competed at the Bisley meeting in England. The team was met on ar. rival by Colonel ft. .T. Collins, Chief Executive Officer of the Dominion Uiile Associa()io:i, and others prominent in (ho shooting world in the Dominion. Monitors of tho team speak in glowing terms of the treatment they received abroad, and all were unanimous in tho opinion that they had a good time.

Tho chairman of tlie Chambers of Commerce Conference (Mr, AV. Gow) announced yesterday afternoon that he had received two communications from tho Co-operative Waterside Labour Employment Association. The first complained that Ihe weight of potatoes in sacks was often too great. The association desired that the quantity put into one tack should be limited. Tlie second communication dealt with the packing of basic slag in unsuitable bags. Inquiries, said Mr. Gow, seemed to show that there was some reasonable ground for tho complaint that the bags were very unsatisfactory. He moved that both .questions be referred to the execut've, with instructions to communicate with the various chambers, and seek to Rave the troubles rectified.

A woll-attended meeting of Gas Company officials, held on Wednesday night, pas-G'l a motion unanimously establishing tlio "Gas Companies' Officials' Guild of New Zealand," to be incorporated under the Incorporated Societies Act, 1908. A strong provisional committee was set up, and immediate steps are to be taken to establish branches throughout the DoMinion.

Included in the recommendations of the Kescrves Committee ntlopted bv the City Council last night wa3 the follow-Jnjr:—"Th-nt the request of the Wellington Croquet Club for an addition d green at Mein Street be held over until ue.vl year's estimates are being i considered "

"That the committee 6elect a alto in Hospital grounds, adjacent to the General Hospital, for tho purpose of eracting thereon a suitable obapel, and that this oupstion be further considered at the en!l of the financial year." So ran a recommendation which was adopted without comment at yesterday's nicotine of the Hospital Board.

Ail interesting letter, which reached the Prime Minister (Mr. Mnssey) by the lust mail, is as follows:—"Westoe, Torquay, England, October 8, 1920,-Dear Sir,—lt was with both gratification and surprise) that I received lately a beautiful illuminated card from the New Zealand Government, and, what I prize equally, a circular letter (but addressed to me), containing tlinnks for my small share in cheering the lives of your and our New Zealand soldiers while they were stationed on our hill, waiting, ns convalescents, to bo repatriated. I rcnlly feel ashamed at receiving any recognition, it was so little I could do, except giving them baths, which they did enjoy. The poor fellows' gratitude was abundant reward, and I would like to bear my testimony to their excellent behaviour, for of the nearly 2000 who had baths during some 18 months, none ever took any liberties, nor acted otherwise than as thorough gentlemen. It was a- very great pleasure to do that small service for thwn, and I was glad to believe that I was helping ever so little to increuso the good understanding between English and New Zealanders. I have always had a great interest in New Zealand, as my uncle, Sir William Fox, made it his home for 50 years, and, indeed, was one of your predecessors in the office of Prime Minister. He cnlled the property in which ho lived in the Rangilikei district Westoe (the same as above) to commemorate his own birthpluce in the North of England. So New Zealand has been a familiar name in our family. Now I have still further links of good will with your country, through these soldiers, and the delightful New Zealand sisters from the neighbouring hospital, whom I had the pleasure of housing, in turns, for a few months. So, ns I often told them, the advantage was all on my side, and I do not dtfervc thank*, which, however, 1 gratefully appreciate.—Yours faithfully, (Sgd.) Mary I. Lombo."

Tho general manager for Thoe. Cook and Son (Mr. IJ. Angus), who was in Wellington this week, stated that the touring season had commenced earlier thnn ever this year, despite the broken weather. liotorua was fully booked for Christmas and well on in January. Ihcro were forty people visiting the Wuitomo Caves, when ho called there two days ngo-an unusually large number for November. The information from the Mount Cook Hermitage was that from December 23 to the middle of January only tent accommodation would be available. •

"It seems very nice from a town-plan-ning point of view," commented tho Mayor (Sir. J. V. Luke, M.P.) at last night's meeting of the City Council, "but even if me council hod the finance to undertake this sort of thing it could not possibly move without authority from Parliament." His Worship was referring to the intiiiiaOion from the Finance Committee that they had received a request from the Wellington Central Chamber of Commerce for the division of the city into shopping, warehouse, industrial, and residential areas. The committee could not rccommwd that any action bo taken with regard to the proposal. Tho Mayor added that it was a big question, and would bo very pertinent in 'conneotdon with the laying out of any new city. In the circumstances, the proposal could not be considered bv the council. The recommendation was adopted.

The increase in tho amounts of the. deposits on which Interest will be paid by the Post Office Savings Bank is announced in this week's Gazette. Tho change was authorised by Parliament last session. Tho rates are to be 4 per cent, on deposits up tp -EDOQ, and 31 per cent, on amounts ab'o'vo J.'sou and not esceedins .EiOOO.

Recently a taxi driver in the city was convicted of overcharging a passenger. Tho By-laws Committee of the City Council had the driver before them at the last meeting of tho committee, when it decided to severely reprimand him and Inform him that a recurrence would result in hi/i license boiug dealt with.

White sugar is again available in Wellington. When the strike occurred at lliu Sugar Compajiy's refinery nt Auckland' soma ten wpeks ago, arrangements were made for supplies of the unrefined article (at tho same price), but tho resumption of work at the refinery wa« not followed by tho sale of white sugar in Wellington until the present worft. The Wannkn, has brought down 450 tons of refined sugar, and another 300 tons is due hero in a daj or two by the Kamona.

Sittings of tho Supreme Court for the I rial of criminal casns will be opened in Wellington on February 1, }ilaj 8, August 1, and October 31. Sittings for the hearing of aivil actions and divorce cafes will commence on February 7, May 16, August 8, and November 7.

Touching briefly on finance at last night's meeting of tho City Council, the Mayor raid that during the seven-month-ly period ended October 31 the expenditure had,exceeded the. estimate by a total of about JSOOII. lie (suggested to councillors that in dealing with items in connection with all departments they should conserve the revenuo as much as possible with a view to levelling up the expenditure with the revenue by the time tho end of the financial year was reached. This might not be possible to achieve, but ho hoped that it would be accomplished.

A new regulation, under tho Animals Protection Act. 1308, provides that whenover a person In bona fide occupation of nny kind appoints one other person to take or kill imported gumo upon such land the appointment shall bo in writing. The nriainal appointment is to be given to tic appointee, who shall produce the samo for mspection on the demand of any rangor or otlior person nuthoriscd to require the production of lioenaes issued under tho Animals Protection Acta. A copy is to be forwarded by the person so appointed to the secretary of the Acclimatisation Society for the district. If any person fails to observe or commits a breach of the regulation, he is to be liablo on conviction to a penalty not exceeding forty shillings.

The prohibition of tho exportation ot sheepskins and pelts, under an Order-in-Council of Novemocr 24, 1919, has been revoked.

Recently Mr. J. M. Murrell wrote tn the City Council suggesting that concession tickets to school children be issued on condition tbat the holders aro entitled to a seat only when any adults aro not standing. At the meeting of the council last night the Power Stations and Tramways Committee recommended that the council should reply stating that it could not see its way to adopt the suggestion. The. recommendation was adopted.

It is reported by a Press Association telegram irom Palmerston North that a complete recommendation was arrived at bv the Conciliation Council in the Wellington country districts grocers' assistants' disputes. It is slated that the understanding will be converted into a?, award after the matter of the November bonus is settled.

Good progress is being made with the laying of the new tramway track along Countenttv Place. In the face of distinctly adverse weathor conditions, cross trenches have been made in the concrete flooring of the road, and into these new concrete sleeners are being laid to take tho rails, a section having already been placed in position. When that is doiia the sleepora will be "trued' up. firmly concreted in, and the blocks Telaid. Another fortnijtht of good weather should pee the back of the work broken, the northern track will then be removed, and the old bed concreted and blocked over. The centring of the double tracks should improve tho traffic facilities of Courtenay Place.

According to the Glasgow "Bulletin, Mr Alexander Maedonald. one of the owest Highlanders in London, is emigrating to £ew Zealand, at the age of 80 venrs- An Inveinessian, he went to London 50 years ago, and is now going to spend the remaining years of his retiibment at Wellington with his daughter.

Arising «ut of a recent deputation of Island Bay residents to tho City council, the Mayor (Mr. J. P. Lukd reported at last night's meeting of the Guy Council that a number of councillore hail that dav gone over the section of the Town Belt proposed to be set aside- tor itfi extension of the Municipal Golf Links. As a result of their inspection the councillors had, stated the Mayor, decided in favour of the proposal. In order to meet the objections of Island Bay residents who contended that tho area Hi question ought to be set apart as a rest park for women raid children, Mr. Luke explained that there was a comparatively level piece of land, some four and n half acres in extent, south of the links which could be utilised for the purpose. Wakefield Park was aiso available for the women and children. He moved that the proposed extension of the links be approved. The motion, which was opposed by Councillor Shorland, was carried mi the voices.

"I don't suppose that any countrr in the world has done as much for our rose as Britain," said Mr. Hclyer (president) during the course of his remarks at the opening of the rose show of tho Hutt Valley Horticultural Society yesterday.

Visitors to Day's Bay will bo interestcd to know thnt the City Council Inst night decided that the lessen of U»o pavilion at the bay is to be granted permission to supply picnic parties, etc.. with hot water at the following rates:— Over the counter, rimnill teapot, !M.: larger vessel, 3d.; picnic parties, ss. per 100 with a minimum charge oi-JSi. The council retains the right to cancel the permission should 1 it, bo considered uecessary.

Regarding a complaint with reference to tho cutting down of pine trees in the Zoo grounds, the curator of the /oo has forwarded the following letter to the Reservvs Committee of the City Council: -"In reference to Mr. Townsend's letter in reference to felling nnd trimming tho pine trees .in the Zoo grounds, I. .was authorised' br tho Reserves, Committee on the strong recommendation of the hon. veterinary surgeons, Colonel Young and Captain Taylor, to fell the trees to admit the sun inlo the pens, and ilicre has been a great improvement in tho health of tho animals this winter; also, I hnvc planted, where it is possible, New Zealand 6hrubs for a breakwind. Ae regards tho trimming of the trees, Wis I consider was qnite necessary to ensure safety for the public, as a number of dead limbs were continually- fa'ling.

A good deal «f reference was made at the Dominion conference of the Builders Federation, held recently in Christchurch, to tho practice of periodically increasing wages, in order *o meet the ii creasing costs of commodities, and also to the apparent inclination of people to livo in houses which, for luxuries, are beyond their means. Pointed reforence was also made to the fact that many of the lately-erected houses have been built on borrowed money, and in connection with lhat more ihan one building contractor uttored a warnin? at the conference The president, Mr. H. Mainland, of Wellington, in tho course of his opening statement, referred to the increases made by tho Arbitration Court in wages, and added that the time had come for co-operation with tho employees in a general schomo, something in fEe nature of a bonus on time service, or on ability-. Peoplo are short of houses, yet house* are demanded, anil flint means extravagant finance. "Many things which are not necessary are demanded in tho- erection of private houses," remarked Mr. W. H. Christie (Wnnganui). Ho thought that tho association should make some representations- on the aspect of present-day conditions. Borrowed money was being upend right niul left, and ho was afraid that a financial crisis was coming, and that prices would come down as ouickly as they went up, and that would spoil ruin to .many who bad bought properties ftt values which they could not afford.

"There is a. general feeling at Home thnt the excess profits tax should be abolished," said an English visitor to Auckland recently, in an interview with ft "Herald" reporter. Tho reasons advanced were the same as those winch led to New Zealand a'bolishing the tax some years ago. it was unfair in its incidence and acted with extreme harshness on returned eoWiers and others endeavouring to build up now businesses. Great disappointment was .felt throughout tho industrial and financial circles when it was found thnt it had been decided to continue to inflict this unfair impost on the country. Ho added. that very strong pressure would bo brought to bear on the Chancellor of the Exchequer to übolish tho tax in the aext Budget.